as in environment
the circumstances, conditions, or objects by which one is surrounded young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word milieu distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of milieu are background, environment, mise-en-scène, and setting. While all these words mean "the place, time, and circumstances in which something occurs," milieu applies especially to the physical and social surroundings of a person or group of persons.

an intellectual milieu conducive to artistic experimentation

Where would background be a reasonable alternative to milieu?

Although the words background and milieu have much in common, background often refers to the circumstances or events that precede a phenomenon or development.

the shocking decision was part of the background of the riots

When is it sensible to use environment instead of milieu?

The meanings of environment and milieu largely overlap; however, environment applies to all the external factors that have a formative influence on one's physical, mental, or moral development.

the kind of environment that produces juvenile delinquents

In what contexts can mise-en-scène take the place of milieu?

While the synonyms mise-en-scène and milieu are close in meaning, mise-en-scène strongly suggests the use of properties to achieve a particular atmosphere or theatrical effect.

a gothic thriller with a carefully crafted mise-en-scène

When can setting be used instead of milieu?

The words setting and milieu can be used in similar contexts, but setting suggests looking at real-life situations in literary or dramatic terms.

a militant reformer who was born into an unlikely social setting

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of milieu The conservative aesthetic acts as something as an umbrella term to reference the milieu of micro trends that have exploded on social media in recent years. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 In this cultural milieu, preferring to be alone carries stigma. Virginia Thomas, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2025 In the swelling worshiping milieu, the transactional nature of politics is washed away in a hot potion of religious fervor. John Scott Lewinski, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025 The beats of the story may be familiar, but the players and milieu are just unusual enough to hold our attention. Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for milieu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for milieu
Noun
  • Trees provide numerous benefits to the environment and to health, like filtering out air pollution, storing carbon dioxide and taking water into their root systems to reduce flooding.
    Madeline Heim, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Reflecting on the global macroeconomic environment, the Lindt CEO acknowledged a softening in consumer sentiment, along with job insecurity and an uncertain inflationary environment.
    Helen Eggleton, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While the residence has a jewel-box atmosphere, with luxurious emerald green drapes, ruby red bathroom tiles, Murano chandeliers, and beautifully patterned throw pillows on the couches and beds, that balcony is a total scene stealer.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • When our planet interacts with that rubble river, those comet bits race through Earth's atmosphere at high speeds: 41 miles (66 km) per second, to produce the shooting star effect.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Consider the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which allows for swifter removal of noncitizens and was never really tested in court outside a wartime context, according to Daniel Kanstroom, a law professor at Boston College who is director of the International Human Rights Program.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • This story has been updated with additional information and context.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • However the climate and way of life may be more suited as a lifestyle choice or even retirement in a very affordable destination.
    Paul Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • There was Cyrenaica, in eastern Libya, which was pitched as woodsy and lovely with an excellent climate, but turned out to suffer from perpetual drought.
    Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • What's wrong is kind of the surrounds of the thing.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Befitting of The Cove’s wellness vibes, lunch at Hideaway to nosh on healthy dishes, smoothies and juices while soaking up the serene surrounds.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Milieu.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/milieu. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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